Tenants guide to renting

Registering

The first step to finding the right property is to register with us either by telephone, via our website or calling into our office.

Once we have a clear understanding of your requirements you will receive a selection of properties that match your criteria. We can also keep you up-to-date via email and phone when new properties become available.

Finding the right property

In order to secure a property we recommend an early viewing. Where possible, we strive to accompany all prospective tenants on viewings so that we are on hand to answer any questions and advise where necessary. We can escort you from our office to your appointment during our opening hours if you do not have transport. Our office is open 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-3pm on Saturdays.

Making an offer

Once you have found a suitable property you will be required to complete a tenancy application form and discuss any special conditions of the offer. We will require details of your employer/accountant and previous landlord (where applicable) in order to process your references. We will then put your offer forward to the landlord.

A holding fee of £300.00 per flat/studio and £500.00 house executive property is required in order that the property is taken off our books and not offered to any other prospective tenants. If you fail to occupy the property through no fault of you own then the holding fee is completely refundable, but will be retained by the Landlord or his agents against loss of rent in the event that you decide not to proceed. There is an administration fee of £168.00 including VAT per person over the age of 18 that will be occupying the property.

Offer agreed

Once your offer is accepted we will arrange the following:

Collect references from the referees that you have provided

Arrange signing of the Tenancy Agreement

Collect your moving in payment (rent + deposit)

Carry out your check-in and inventory

Carry out a right to rent check

First Month's Rent and Deposit

On the date of occupation one monthís rent in advance and six weeks rent as a deposit must be paid to us (less the holding fee where applicable). This must be paid in cleared funds by bankers draft, building society cheque or cash. We cannot accept personal cheques, credit or debit cards.

The deposit is held by the landlord or The Accommodating Company against dilapidation to the fixtures and fittings of the property. It is returnable at the end of the tenancy subject to a final inspection and full inventory check. Interest is not payable on the deposit by the Landlord or the Managing Agent and the deposit cannot be used as rent. As members of SAFEAGENT Client Money Protection Scheme, you have peace of mind that your money is protected.

Signing Contracts

It is a legal requirement that all tenants over the age of 18 are named on the contract, and the contract must be signed by all Tenants. If any Tenant is unable to come into the office on the occupation date at the specified time we must be advised of this in advance in order for an alternative time to be arranged. All monies must be received in clear funds on or by the occupation date before contracts can be released.

Upon signing the Tenancy Agreement, you will be issued a set of keys and are free to move into your new property at your leisure. We will furnish you with contact details to arrange to have the utility services transferred into your name, and also your landlordís details if they deal with the management directly. Your deposit will be registered and we will send you a certificate as proof.

Management

If you are fortunate enough to rent a managed property you are given the added benefit of a dedicated Property Management team to handle any issues that may arise, and the assurance that your property is fully compliant with all safety regulations (including Gas Safety, Electrical Safety and Furniture and Furnishings acts).

Insurance

It is a condition of the tenancy that every tenant has contents insurance with a minimum of £2500 accidental damage cover to the landlordís fixtures and fittings.